Play Book Tag discussion

Kate Morton seems to have figured out a formula. She writes long novels with lots of characters, most of whom are well developed, and she develops intricate plots with great twists. The stories jump around in time, which can be challenging but also adds tension.
I thought The Secret Keeper was well structured and easier to follow than The Clockmaker’s Daughter. Yet, for me, it was not a page turner; in fact, I had to go back and reread some paragraphs because my mind had wandered. This occurred during lengthy descriptions of the natural world or a character’s thoughts. I know some people like these -- they certainly contribute to the length of Morton’s books.

Part of my definition of a great book (5 stars) is one that I’d reread. I reread books to experience emotions that the book brings out -- it doesn’t matter if I know how things end, or “who done it,” I’ll laugh or cry again the second or third time. I wouldn’t reread any of Morton’s books because they’ve just never moved me. I’m sure I could learn a lot about plots and twists from them though.

The secret keeper is actually on my Trim. I think it’s an interesting analysis of her writing, although I still really like her. She’s on my author list to follow up with.

Amy wrote: "The secret keeper is actually on my Trim. I think it’s an interesting analysis of her writing, although I still really like her. She’s on my author list to follow up with."

Hope you enjoy it! The end twist certainly surprised me.

I have only read The Clockmaker's Daughter, which I enjoyed. However, as I researched her other books I thought the same about her style of writing. I added some of her other books, but they are not ones I will reach for with anticipation.

Joanne wrote: "I have only read The Clockmaker's Daughter, which I enjoyed. However, as I researched her other books I thought the same about her style of writing. I added some of her other books,..."

I should spend a bit more time researching before I launch into books myself! Life is short and there's much excellent stuff out there.

Susan wrote: "Kate Morton seems to have figured out a formula. She writes long novels with lots of characters, most of whom are well developed, and she develops intricate plots with great twists. The stories jum..."

Morton does have a formula. All of her books ( those that I've read) have left me, at some point, wishing that she would just hurry up. She does add intricate plot twists, but I'm never surprised by the time she gets to the revealing event. She leaves too many boldfaced clues for there to be anything truly surprising.

Despite that frustration, I usually like her characters and the historical content feels authentic. In this book, I thought she did a great job of describing the London Blitz .

Jgrace wrote: "Susan wrote: "Kate Morton seems to have figured out a formula. She writes long novels with lots of characters, most of whom are well developed, and she develops intricate plots with great twists. T..."

Yep, well said: just wish she'd hurry up! But I agree she does her research on the period. Her blitz descriptions were good.

Susan wrote: "Joanne wrote: "I have only read The Clockmaker's Daughter, which I enjoyed. However, as I researched her other books I thought the same about her style of writing. I added some of h..."

Agree Susan-I just decided, a little over a year ago, that there was too much good writing and too many great stories out there- I did not want to waste anymore time on mediocre reads. This group has really helped me cull them out. Nowadays, if I am not feeling a book 3-4 chapters in, I chuck it-without an ounce of guilt!

I really enjoyed the first Kate Morton book I read. I was in the mood for a lovely story, a mystery, and a summer garden that wouldn't make me sneeze. My least favorite was my last; Forgotten Garden was much too long.

I agree that she has a formula - with split time lines, secrets, country homes and gardens, a young girl, and a woman trying to solve a mystery decades later. It worked for her, and now other authors seem to be copying the formula (based on descriptions I've read). Still, I wouldn't want to discourage anyone from trying one of her books if it sounds appealing.

100% agree with Jgrace. I've only read one- The Forgotten Garden, which I loved and gave it 5 stars- but it was a definitely a slower (almost tedious- not because of difficulty, just because of the pure word count) read for me. That being said, I do have her on my radar as an author, and want to read more of her books.

Joanne wrote: "Susan wrote: "Joanne wrote: "I have only read The Clockmaker's Daughter, which I enjoyed. However, as I researched her other books I thought the same about her style of writing. I a..."

I am chucking many more myself thee days. But it isn't always easy. I was ready to quit Gentleman from Moscow several times in the first half but hung in there because a number of friends had told me how good it was. By the end I just loved it. Guess we should be grateful if these are the most difficult decisions we have to make!